Budget 2019: How to Make your Voice Heard!

The Budget Process

It might be hard to believe, but planning for next year’s federal government budget is already under way. Although the government usually presents its annual budget in February, the federal financial cycle takes a full year, and a critically important part of this planning process is the Pre-Budget Consultations (PBCs) that happen from September to November.

These consultations give Canadians an opportunity to tell Parliamentarians what they would like to see in the next budget through public hearings across the country. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance invites experts and every day Canadians to testify or submit written proposals on the issues that are important to them.

EWB’s Recommendations

This is an strategic moment for EWB Canada and our members as it allows us to talk directly to MPs and show that people care about international development. It is one of the most impactful ways to ensure that we are heard and that the issues we care about are on the government’s agenda.

This year, EWB will present three recommendations for Budget 2019:

1. Commit to predictable annual increases in Official Development Assistance (ODA) with the goal of allocating 0.7% of gross national income to the International Assistance Envelope (IAE) by 2030.
   
2. Develop and implement a broad range of innovative financing tools for international development guided by an overarching strategy.
   
3. Utilize the Government of Canada’s domestic Innovation Agenda to address global poverty and inequality.

We believe that these actions will benefit Canada and the world, and help us build the world that we want to see in 2030. In order to tackle the critical causes of global poverty and inequality, we need to think differently about how we fund and do international development work. We need bold leadership to commit new ideas and resources to tackling the world’s largest problems.

This means that we need to think about the role of innovation in international development. How do we ensure that new technologies and ideas we develop here in Canada can be mobilized for global benefit? How can we use digital technologies to improve financial access and improve people’s lives around the world? One way to do this is through Canada’s domestic Innovation Agenda by ensuring that existing government investments consider their global impact and aim to improve the lives of people around the world.

However, we need more than just good ideas.

The UN estimates that there is an annual funding gap of about $4.5 trillion per year in order achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While this challenge may be too much for Canada to face alone, its contributions can make a tremendous difference. By increasing our ODA, Canada can ensure that the world’s most marginalized populations have access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Canada can also mobilize private resources for development through innovative financing.

Take Action!

1. Want to learn more about the PBCs or attend one in your province? Take a look at the House of Commons website for more info, and note that new hearing dates are added on a rolling basis.
2. If you’d like to learn more about EWB’s recommendations for Budget 2019, read our written PBC submission.
3. Join a growing number of Canadians working to build a better world for all by taking part in our Hello 2030 campaign!